Jason Ufuoma Igho, aka Kido Blanko, is one of the upcoming artists making waves in the Nigerian music industry. In this interview, the 27-year-old Plateau-born musician, regarded as a ‘hot’ star by many, talks about his upcoming single starring Olamide among other issues.
Who is Kido Blanko?
Kido Blanko is a Plateau State-born musical artist, whose real name is Jason Ufuoma Igho. I am a songwriter as well as a singer.
I started music at the age of 15; I was born 1995 into a family of entertainers. I am a graduate of the University of Abuja where I studied Entrepreneur Management. Presently, I am based in Lagos pursuing my musical career.
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How did you get into music?
As I told you earlier, I was born into an entertainment family. I grew up loving entertainment and when I was done with schooling, I went into music because it has always been what I love to do. From testimonies I have been receiving, my kind of music has been described by many as good. In the industry, I’m one of the fast-rising musical artistes in Nigeria within a short period of my enrolment.
When did you record your first song?
I recorded my first song in 2015 by ChopStick, and I was seen as being very lucky to start with a big name. The recording label has done a great deal of promotion to my song and I am grateful to them. From there, it has been success upon success stories, though it wasn’t easy.
I released an album of 6 songs called ‘Purple the EP’ which did very well in the entertainment sector as many of the tracks became street anthems and within a short period, my name became a household name.
That album was an expression of my journey of sleepless nights; the album means the world to me because I had put in my best in making it a success. It is a reflection of my journey; a lot of sleepless nights and prayers, because without God, none of these would have been possible, and to God be the Glory, the album has made a lot of impact on my musical career.
Can you tell us more about these impacts?
The album complemented the multiple historic collaboration songs that I have done with bigger names in the Nigerian music industry such as the rap legend MI Abaga, Tekno, among others, and I was also featured on Michael Blackson’s song which is a great indicator of better things to come.
Are you of the school of thought that musicians can only make it in Lagos?
The truth of the matter is, as a musician, you have to be where things are happening and Lagos is where all the big producers are based. That was why I had to leave Jos even though my whole family is in Jos, but I had to leave to showcase my talent as well as to get identified in the industry.
How would you rate your performance as a musical artist?
I can say so far so good, my dream was to be like Nigerian musicians like MI Abaga and others. Interestingly, today I have songs with most of these stars and I was able to achieve this within a short period. Therefore, if I am to judge myself, I would rate myself as satisfactory, though I may not be where I want to be in the industry yet but I believe I am closer to it.
As a musician, what is your happiest moment?
My happiest moment was the day Mr MI recorded my first official video and the way he treated me just like his own blood brother. The irony was that he did that for free and everything was just perfect, I can’t forget that day in my life.
Are you working on either an album or a single now?
Yes, I am working on a single song that features one of the greatest names in the Nigerian musical industry, I am talking about Olamide. I am presently putting some final touches to it and it will soon be released. I am planning to release the single in a grand style. However, as an independent artist, one has to take it gradually because funding has always been our issue in the music entertainment industry.
Are you under any contract deal?
No I am not, but I would love to have one. You see, as an independent artist, I have been sponsoring myself, promoting myself as well as doing all other things. There are many artists like me out there and I am sure that with necessary funding and sponsorship, the music industry would have been better than what it is today.
Do you do other things aside from music?
Yes, I do, as a graduate of entrepreneur management, I believe in expanding and extending means of livelihood. I recently opened a Unisex salon in Lagos Nigeria and I have many other things in the pipeline, yet music is my first priority and I am chasing it with all that I have.
Where do you see the Nigerian music industry in the near future?
The Nigerian music industry is doing well; in fact, it is controlling the whole African music industry as well as creating unity among Africans globally. To me, the industry in the near future would be the most effective catalyst in national development.
It is clear that the industry has been playing a very vital role in ensuring national unity and national development for a very long time.
Is Kido Blanko in any relationship?
No, I am not. Kido Blanko is single right now.
Do you mean single and searching?
Just single
